NEXT: Christmas Worship 2015

With Christmas fast approaching, I’d like to pitch a few last-minute options for those of you who still have a few question marks in their Holiday set-lists. Though these might not all be quite as “indie” as I usually shoot for, they are all quality new songs worth considering.

“He Shall Reign Forevermore” – Chris Tomlin (Chart available HERE) What – not surprised to see him on the list? What can I say? The guy knows how to write a song that begs to be sung, & this is no exception. “He Shall Reign…” is so good I could imagine using it year round! A modernize setting of “In the Bleak Midwinter”, the song unfolds only predictably enough to be immediately singable, but it is anything but dull. A personal favorite for this season!

“Joy to the World/Our God Saves” – Paul Baloche (Chart available HERE) Now, anyone who’s done any research knows that “Joy to the World” isn’t really a Christmas song – it’s about the return of Christ, not His birth – but the lyrics translate almost prophetically to this Season, so the song just works. Incorporating one of his best choruses, Paul updates this personal holiday favorite perfectly. You hardly notice that his chorus wasn’t part of the original. Honestly, I will be leading this one come December!

“Lift up Your Eyes” – Danny Gokey (No Chart yet Available) One of the few truly ‘new’ Christmas song that have captured my attention this year. A great song for corporate use or a special, this song grooves, & the chorus would be absolutely EPIC with a choir. I won’t lie: the bass drop is pretty sweet in Danny’s version here!

Lastly, though it’s far from new… “The Earth Stood Still” – Future of Forestry (Chart available HERE) I’ve been using this as a Christmas special for several years now, & it always bring with it a few tears, & leaves a hush across the room. There’s nothing else quite like it out there, making it always worth revisiting.

What new or new-to-you songs will you be leading during worship this Christmas?

Since these were specifically Christmas songs, they deserved their own playlist… enjoy!